AN East Lancashire paint firm has capped a record-breaking year for awards after scooping the Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year title.

A dedicated team of 1,250 ‘green ambassadors’ led the way as Crown Paints clinched one of the UK’s premier prizes for sustainability.

The company’s commitment to the environment was been taken to their hearts by staff, who played a key role in landing the prestigious title at The Manufacturer Awards.

Joe Devitt, managing director, said: “This is a massive honour. And it means so much because everyone in the company has played a part in the success.

“Having 1,250 ‘green ambassadors’ within a company makes a compelling force for good in terms of the environment and the sheer enthusiasm and commitment of the team has been the key to this success.”

The award was the fifth accolade this year secured by the company for its pioneering approach.

It also won a Green Apple accolade, as well as the ‘Contribution to the Community’ prize at the Lancashire Business Environment Awards, organised by environmental regeneration organisation, Newground.

The company was named a UK national champion in the European Business awards and was also named Green Manufacturer of the Year in the ‘Made In The North West’ awards.

Crown Paints also achieved the prestigious Investor In People Gold award this year.

Brian Widdop, technical director, said: “We see sustainability as a mission for the entire organisation and it is something all our staff take personally. It is not just about filling a market niche, it is about changing the way we do business.”

As a UK champion in the European Business Awards, Crown is through to the second stage and is up against 60 European companies in the award’s Environmental and Corporate Sustainability category.

For details and to vote for Crown, visit www.businessawardseurope.com/vote/detail/the-award-for-environmental-corporate-sustainability/7769.